Nov. 9, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
On Friday night the Illinois State swimming and diving team will take on in-state rival Illinois. The two teams will face off at Horton Pool at 6:00 p.m. The Redbirds, 3-0 in dual meets looks to continue its success with a victory over Illinois.
"Being at home is always a plus," head coach Steve Paska said. "We are striving for two straight weekends of consistent performances. Our team has been working hard. This meet will let us see what we have and where we are at."
Competing against a Big Ten team brings about a different kind of meet for the `Birds.
"Illinois is a strong team," Paska said. "This meet will be our second toughest team all season. We are competing against one of the top teams in the Midwest. Our girls have competed well, and we are looking to rise to the challenge when facing one of the best women's programs."
Head diving coach Tom Davidson is looking forward to seeing scores go up for the divers.
"I want to see consistency," Davidson said. "I want them to transfer what they have learned in practice to the meet. If they can do that their scores will go up and that is what I am looking for."
Having competed against Illinois in the UIC Diving Invitational the divers know what to look for in the competition.
"Competing against Illinois, a Big Ten school, helps us gage where we are at," Davidson said. Emily (Hirt) is looking to qualify for the NCAA in this meet. Our divers should do well against the competition."
